HIGHLAND, Kan. — No. 13 Hutchinson Community College  (2-2, 1-2) entered the 4th quarter trailing Highland (4-1, 2-1) 20-0.

That quickly changed. The Blue Dragons forced the Scotties to punt from their own end zone and Adrian Cross returned the ball to Highland’s 5. From there, Tre King punched the ball in with 14:42 left.

The Blue Dragon defense would force another punt and give the offense great field position once again.

This time, Chaz Capps found Gary Cross for a 24-yard TD. Luke Niemeyer’s extra point cut the Scottie lead to 20-14.

The Blue Dragons weren’t done. Inspired by great running back play from DeShawn Waller, Tre King and Otis Williams, the Blue Dragons would carry their momentum into the end zone again.

Waller, who suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 and has been sidelined ever since, did the dirty work and got the Blue Dragons close to pay dirt. Tre King would finish the drive once again with a 1-yard run.

Luke Niemeyer’s extra point gave Hutchinson Community College a 1-point lead.

Waller provided a big lift for the Dragons with 90 yards. He led the Blue Dragon rushing attack. King finished with 57 yards and 2 touchdowns while Williams ended with 28 yards on 11 touches.

Highland did most of its damage in the first half.

Kahlil Render opened up the scoring by hitting his favorite target, Demarrre Kitt, for a 73-yard TD.

The Scotties would score again in the 2nd quarter with a 37-yard TD run from Marquis Terry.

Terry scored again from 2 yards out in the 3rd quarter after a RaQuanne Dickens’ 75-yard run.

Highland went for two on every PAT and only converted 1 of the 3 attempts.

The Scotties have struggled in the kicking game with only 7 of 14 point after attempts converted this year.

Hutchinson Community College took the lead with 8:53 left, but failed to convert another drive that would have put the game away.

The Blue Dragons had to punt the ball back to the Scotties with the 4th quarter winding down.

That’s when Kahlil Render struck again. Render was forced out of the pocket as he peered deep downfield. He launched the ball high as Blue Dragon fans looked downfield in disbelief.

Bailey Strunk had beaten the Blue Dragon defense and waited, wide open, for Render’s pass to fall into his awaiting arms.

Asher Goldston nearly made the touchdown-saving tackle, but Strunk darted away and scored the 78-yard pass.

Highland’s two point conversion failed. The Scotties finished the day 1-of-4 on two point conversions.

Down 26-21, the Dragons had one last chance.

That chance ended when Jacob Rominger picked off Chaz Capps’ pass intended for Allen Bishop.

The Blue Dragons had opportunities in the 3rd quarter inside the Scottie 10. Both times, Hutchinson came away empty.

FINAL: Highland 26 Hutchinson 21

The Blue Dragons travel to Fort Dodge, Iowa, next Saturday to play Iowa Central.

The Tritons are 0-4.